With caps neatly arranged and gowns pressed and straightened, Truro Cathedral was bursting with excitement as hundreds of graduating university level students from Truro and Penwith College took to the stage to receive their awards.

The packed cathedral hosted almost 1,000 supportive friends, family and fellow classmates to recognise the achievements of 377 students.

Professor Simon Payne, deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Plymouth, represented the college’s accrediting body and welcomed guests and students.

In his speech, he congratulated the college on its excellent performance noting that "results are achieved by excellence in teaching and student support… and in leadership… recognised this year by the Association of Colleges’ Leadership and Governance Beacon Award."

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He also said of the event: "I am delighted to be able to take part in the celebrations at the graduation ceremony for Truro and Penwith College. The college is a highly valued, long-standing and high-quality academic partner of the University of Plymouth."

David Walrond, principal at Truro and Penwith College, said: "The focus across all higher education on the quality of teaching and support for students is rightly intensifying and we are delighted not only with another cohort of very successful graduates at the college but also to have been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for the quality of our work with them."

A selection of students were recognised as being particularly successful in their achievements. Bachelor's in human behavioural studies graduate Lauren Shapcott was awarded with the Academic Partnerships Prize, having graduated with first-class honours despite facing adversity in her personal life.

This was presented by Professor Paul Brunt, the director of academic partnerships at the University of Plymouth, who said: "Lauren has consistently presented herself as an excellent and enthusiastic student of psychology, both capable and motivated; working hard at all times."

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Lauren said: "Never in a million years did I think that I would be capable of achieving a first-class honours degree. It’s just the best feeling, knowing that every single day has been worth it, I never thought that this day would even come."

The Education Cup was won by certificate in education student Emma Salter for her "outstanding impact" on learning within the college while working with 16 to 19-year-olds to help them improve their maths skills.

She said: "Having worked with lots of 16 to 19-year-olds in the hospitality industry who hadn’t the first clue how to complete simple sums, I knew that I needed to help students like them, and this qualification will allow me to continue doing just that.

"I’ve really enjoyed studying and I’m really pleased that I’ve made it here tonight to graduate."

Foundation degree in childhood education mature graduate Donna Harvey received the Bianca Trew Award for her creative approach to teaching and learning throughout her academic studies.

She said: “I was really looking forward to my three daughters seeing me graduate, so I could show them that mum’s can work too. The best part of this so far is when my 12-year-old daughter said to me, ‘I’m proud of you mum’. It really summed up my achievements."

Receiving special recognition for epitomising qualities, skills and character required to be a truly exemplary member of the workforce, Foundation degree in children and young people’s workforce graduate Louise Zehtabi was awarded with the Children and Young People’s Workforce Cup of Excellence.

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She said: "I can’t believe that I’m actually here and going to graduate, it just doesn’t seem real. The course has given me a totally new purpose. It wasn’t something I ever thought that I would be capable of completing, not to mention coming out with a first-class honours."

Andrew Smart, higher education team leader, said: "It was fantastic to see our students graduating and celebrating with their friends and families. So many of our students have come through the college either as access course students returning to education, mature learners changing careers, or A level and diploma students who wanted a friendly, supportive higher education experience here in Cornwall.

Taylor Allen and Chloe Collins

"With over 25 per cent of our learners achieving a first-class degree or distinction level, we really did have something to celebrate here today. I know that I speak on behalf of all the staff involved in higher education when I say how proud we are of our students’ achievements and we wish them all the best in the future."